With many innovations such as Simply Sushi and The Den in the F&B segment, PVR has come a long way in introducing delectable menus to its patrons. And now, the PVR’s luxury flagship and one of India’s most loved patisseries and chocolatiers, have together launched L’Opéra – Salon de Thé by PVR, at PVR Director’s Cut, at Ambience Mall, in Vasant Kunj. Renaud Pallière, CEO – International Development, PVR talks about the business of luxury, food and entertainment, in this exclusive conversation with The Luxe Cafe.

In conversation with The Luxe Cafe, Renaud Pallière, CEO – International Development, PVR talks about the business of luxury, food and entertainment. When it comes to a luxurious movie-watching experience, no group does it better than PVR Director’s Cut. With many innovations such as Simply Sushi and The Den in the F&B segment, PVR has come a long way in introducing delectable menus to its patrons. In an endeavor to provide the patrons with an upscale menu, PVR has moved a notch higher by bringing its luxury offering – the all new French patisserie to its F&B range. Earlier this month, the PVR’s luxury flagship and one of India’s most loved patisseries and chocolatiers, launched L’Opéra – Salon de Thé by PVR, a new delightful experience at PVR Director’s Cut, at Ambience Mall, in Vasant Kunj.

The Luxe Cafe : How have things evolved in the cinema industry with regards to food as it’s no more restricted to just watching movies?

Well, it has evolved a lot in the recent years. Director’s cut has become the test bed for experimentation where food and beverage is concerned. It has brought in many innovations in the recent past from ‘Simply Sushi’ which has redefined the food experience while watching your favourite movie to ‘The Den’ – a premium wine and jazz lounge where you can enjoy movies and fine dining under the same roof. There is a fairly comprehensive offering now between gourmet popcorn and the popcorn bar which is also one of our own brands, a gourmet dessert counter with the latest offering of sweet and savory popcorn and exotic range of ice cream flavours in collaboration with Minus 30, a Delhi based start-up which is rooted in the old tradition of Italian ice cream masters, specializing in blends which are free from artificial flavours. Now, we have included L’Opera, one of the most prestigious high-end brands in the city, to open a 20-seater Salon de Thé within the complex. It’s either about tie ups with third party brands or our own food and beverage brands. The core business however truly remains the cinema and we have seen multiple changes in the industry with the phenomenal technological changes coming up. So, it has evolved immensely, especially at the premium cinema segment.

What is the speciality of this outlet?

In addition to L’Opéra’s standard array of products, there will be a number of exclusive pastries, specially crafted for the Director’s Cut complex. Salon de Thé will also offer 5 exclusive desserts straight out of the oven for its customers. The ambience will also be unique, as well as the fittings; the furniture and the equipment are being shipped from France, Hong Kong and Thailand, adding an international, classy feel that few places in Delhi can equal. It is all about creating an environment which is compelling and interesting to our guests. The entertainment offering is in terms of technology that is packed inside the auditorium, the comfort of the seats, the sophistication and different features such as the food and beverage app which allows the customers to order food from their seats, they don’t have to call a waiter, placing an order from the seat works and makes it hundred times easier for the customer to order while watching a movie and pay with the app as well which adds up to the convenience of the customer.

Apart from the technological advancements, what are PVR’s premium offerings in the F&B segment?

Simply Sushi has been the creation of Chef Yutaka Saito, who has worked earlier with MEGU at The Leela Palace New Delhi. Simply Sushi serves a versatile menu that offers choices of vegetarian and non-vegetarian appetizers, rolls, sashimi and nigiri designed by Chef Saito and Executive Chef Mayank Tiwari. Then there’s L’Opera which is a high-end, authentic pastry and bakery house and Salon de Thé, specialized in French products. This is pretty much the top of the ladder as far as the premium segment is concerned.

What is the process for choosing the right chef at PVR for curating the menu?

We meet our Chefs first where they are working, we experiment with their food and if we like it then we start a discussion with them. The mixture of the right skills, mutual interests and personality is what that makes up for the right Chef. It is not always an easy process but we’ve been lucky to find the right ones.

How are the french delicacies catching up in the Indian market?

The market is becoming ever more focused and has been seen more interested in the authentic offerings, there is undoubtedly a growing interest for this speciality food. Guests at PVR Director’s Cut can expect a world class and exclusive experience not only in cinema viewing, but also in the food and beverage section. L’Opéra’s exclusive selection is in line with our endeavour to provide a one-of-a-kind experience to our patrons.

Do you have any plans to launch L’Opera at the other PVR outlets?

The new association with PVR marks the opening of L’Opéra’s 14th outlet in Delhi NCR. L’Opéra – Salon de Thé by PVR, embodies Parisian refinement and luxury at its finest. Renowned for its unparalleled quality bakery and pastry products, L’Opéra prides itself in sharing its French culinary roots with an ever-growing number of discerning patrons throughout the Delhi-NCR area. Yes, definately, we have plans to launch more of these outlets. Infact, we are already serving a small array of L’Opera products at The Ambience Mall and Select Citywalk. They are available on the menu for the customers of the gold class auditorium but we do have plans to launch L’Opera at other PVR outlet in the coming 6-7 months. This is a product of love, labour and deep relationships that both brands share with a vision of excellency and a promise to deliver only the best.

Are there any plans for taking PVR to an international level?

Yes, we do have some plans regarding that and there will be news out about it shortly.